Czech biathlon star Markéta Davidová will miss the opening races of the 2026/2027 World Cup season following two surgeries on a herniated spinal disc, ČT sport reported. While the 29-year-old former world champion has returned to training after a three-week camp in the Spanish Pyrenees, she will not return to elite competition before the new calendar year.
Davidová undergoes spinal surgery and individual training
Davidová’s health struggles intensified in the autumn of 2024, forcing her to miss the remainder of that season and the world championship in Lenzerheide alongside a brief comeback attempt in Nové Město na Moravě. After conservative treatments failed, she underwent a second and more invasive spinal surgery in April, during which surgeons inserted an artificial implant and fused her vertebrae together with screws. Davidová trains on an individual schedule away from the main squad to manage her physical workload safely.
Targeting a Post-New Year World Cup Return
Although Davidová reported completing all planned training blocks during her altitude stint alongside teammate Tereza Vinklárková in Candanchú, she intends to bypass the opening World Cup leg starting November 26 in Kontiolahti, Finland. Kdyby šlo všechno optimálně a moje výkonnost byla na nějaké úrovni, kterou si představuji, tak bych se ráda vrátila po Novém roce,
Davidová told ČT sport, indicating a preference for a January comeback if her fitness and recovery progress smoothly. Key stops on the provisional post-holiday schedule include the World Cup in Nové Město na Moravě from January 21 to 24, followed by the world championship in Estonia in February.
Davidová modifies gym routines for spinal healing
Záleží teď nejen na tom, aby nevnímala bolest, ale aby se to správně dohojilo a celá páteř se správně znovu zapojila,
Barna explained to ČT sport. Davidová acknowledged that gym routines require modifications, noting that certain weight exercises have been removed from her regimen even as running and roller skiing resume without issue.
Voborníková leads while Davidová faces recovery uncertainty
Reflecting on the uncertainty surrounding her recovery, Davidová admitted that she does not know what her body will be capable of after such a procedure. In her absence, fellow Czech competitor Tereza Voborníková established herself as a national leader by capturing a bronze medal in the mass start at the Olympic Winter Games in Anterselva.
Frequently Asked Questions About Davidová’s Recovery
Why did Markéta Davidová miss the previous World Cup season?
Davidová sat out the 2024/2025 season and subsequent championship events due to a severe herniated spinal disc that required initial conservative treatment followed by two surgical interventions.
What specific surgical procedure did Davidová undergo?
After a smaller conservative intervention a year prior, surgeons performed a major operation in April involving an artificial disc implant and spinal fusion secured with medical screws.
When is Davidová scheduled to make her next competitive appearance?
She plans to skip the opening World Cup races in Kontiolahti and aims for a competitive return after January 1, 2027, with the home event in Nové Město na Moravě serving as a primary target.
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